Head to head

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S vs ON1 Photo RAW 2025

A direct, no-fluff comparison: specs, pros and cons, pricing, and the scenarios where each one earns its keep.

Spec snapshot

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 SON1 Photo RAW 2025
Price (USD)$799$99.99
Our rating4.7/54.2/5
Categorycamera-lensessoftware
Pros33
Cons22

The case for each

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S

4.7

Pros

  • +Exceptional sharpness for the price
  • +Beautiful subject separation
  • +Light and compact

Cons

  • No image stabilization
  • f/1.8 not f/1.4
Full review →

ON1 Photo RAW 2025

4.2

Pros

  • +Perpetual license available
  • +Strong AI masking and sky tools
  • +All-in-one editor + catalog

Cons

  • Performance dips on large libraries
  • UI can feel cluttered
Full review →

Winner by use case

Vlogging & videoNikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Low-light photographyTie
Value for moneyNikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Pro & enterprise useTie
BeginnersTie

Inferred from each camera's pros and review focus. Treat as a starting point, then read the full reviews for nuance.

Common questions

Is the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S better than the ON1 Photo RAW 2025?

It depends on what you shoot. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S scores 4.7/5 in our review, while the ON1 Photo RAW 2025 scores 4.2/5. See the spec table and use-case breakdown above for our verdict.

Which is cheaper, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S or the ON1 Photo RAW 2025?

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S sells around $799, and ON1 Photo RAW 2025 around $99.99. The ON1 Photo RAW 2025 is the cheaper of the two.

Which one is better for beginners?

Both are capable, but beginners usually do better with whichever has the simpler interface and more forgiving autofocus. Read the "Winner by use case" section above for our specific call.

Should I upgrade from the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S to the ON1 Photo RAW 2025?

Only if the gap in features you actually use is wide. If you already own one, the marginal upgrade is rarely worth the cost unless a specific shortcoming is blocking your work.

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